Week 7 – Defensive Players of the Week
A look at the three best defensive performances from Week 7. Players of the Week Carter Daniels Carter Daniels 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Mountain Vista | 2025 State CO , Mountain Vista Golden Eagles (LB)(So.)(0) – This is…
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Continue ReadingA look at the three best defensive performances from Week 7.
Players of the Week
Carter Daniels Carter Daniels 5'11" | 185 lbs | LB Mountain Vista | 2025 State CO , Mountain Vista Golden Eagles (LB)(So.)(0) – This is the second week in a row that the sophomore LB has made defensive player of the week, with this performance being as dominant as the last one. In the Golden Eagles’ tight 40-36 win over the Rock Canyon Jaguars, Daniels accounted for a remarkable 20 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. When you look at the film from Daniels’ night against the Jaguars offense, you can see that he always seems to be around the ball because of a combination of his extremely high motor and incredible first-step explosiveness out of his stance. Savvy LB that shows relentless effort whether working to shed a block, pursuing the ball carrier, or coming downhill to fill his run fits. Displays exceptional explosiveness out of his stance allowing him to consistently maintain power and pop at the point-of-attack when making contact with the ball carrier or an opposing blocker. Highly consistent tackler with good form that shows with very few missed tackles in the open field in 1-on-1 situations, routinely wrapping up and driving his legs through contact. Good hand strength and placement that allows him to stack-and-shed most opposing blockers consistently. Daniels is currently ranked the number 3 athlete and the number 14 player overall, which isn’t surprising at all to see. He’s an unbelievably talented player that will continue to grow over the course of his prep career.
Gabe Little, Kennedy Commanders (DL)(Sr.)(30) – Little was easily the state’s most productive pass rusher in the Commanders’ 32-27 win over the Northfield Nighthawks. Looking at the numbers from Little’s night against the Nighthawk offense, he registered an incredible 17 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and a blocked punt. I think it’s safe to say he was the most valuable player from that game. Turning to the tape of Little’s night against the Northfield offense, you can see how much force he brings to the point-of-contact despite the smaller frame for his position (6’0, 165 lbs), consistently driving the ball carrier back after the initial contact. Technically sound, stand-up 3-4 outside LB that rushes the passer off the edge. Strong, flexible lower body allows him to maintain a low pad level and drive blockers into the pocket on bull rushes. Lower body strength and flexibility also allow him to maintain good bend when attacking the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle. Not exceptionally fast, but fast enough to convert speed-to-power when attacking opposing blockers. Little isn’t garnering any recruiting buzz and his smaller frame could be the reason why, but regardless, he is an extremely talented player that will be a huge piece of this Commanders defense through the rest of this season.
Austin Martinez, Eaton Reds (DB)(Sr.)(10) – Martinez was one of the state’s top DBs and certainly it’s biggest ball-hawk in the Reds’ 52-6 Week 7 beatdown of the Fort Lupton Blue Devils. Reviewing the numbers from Martinez’s night against the Blue Devils offense, he registered an impressive 3 tackles, a pass deflection, and 3 interceptions with 1 being returned for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Martinez doesn’t have any tape available for me to provide an honest evaluation of his traits or why he was able to perform at such a high level against the Fort Lupton offense. Regardless, just going off of the numbers, he was easily one of the state’s top DBs from Week 7.